Kelsey Sholund

Favorite clinical rotation, and why: I have really enjoyed all of my rotations during medical school, but one rotation that surprised me and exceeded my expectations was Psychiatry in Helena, MT. I knew going in that it was very unlikely that I would be choosing psychiatry as a specialty, but appreciated that knowing how to treat mental health issues is a key part of primary care. As part of the rotation, I worked with patients in the only pediatric psychiatric hospital in Montana. Because the child psychiatrists who I worked with there gave me autonomy, I felt like I was a valuable part of their health care team. I was also very impressed with the community in Helena, and enjoyed many hikes with classmates and co-workers there.

What drew you to Family Medicine? I love the variety and flexibility in Family Medicine. I love being able to take care of just about any patient who walks into the door of the clinic or hospital. I love seeing the interactions between families, different generations, and the full circle of life. I love that within a career in family medicine, a physician can start out with a practice that serves many children and young families and by the end of their career transition to a practice that takes care of patients on hospice at the end of their life. I hope that my career in family medicine will be varied and broad, and I look forward to being an involved member of the community where I practice.

Anything else you want people to know about you? I am so honored to receive this scholarship from the Dr. Burr Field Scholarship Fund. As a fifth generation Washingtonian, it has been emphasized again and again that we live in one of the most amazing states in the country. I have spent most of my life on the west side of the Cascades, however during my 3rd and 4th year of medical school I have been on rotations in Idaho, Montana and Alaska, and I now appreciate the beauty of the Inland Northwest much more.

In my free time I enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities; skiing, biking, and backpacking are my favorites. I am a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts of USA, and spent many summers working at a GS camp on the Olympic Peninsula. I still volunteer with the organization and empowering girls through outdoor activities and community work will always be a priority for me. I also love to share my passion for baking with family, friends, and co-workers in the hospital, who are always willing to try my latest experiment.